Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
Starc takes six as Australia fight back in South Africa Test decider
Australia fought back on the first day of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
South Africa raced to 140 without loss by lunch after Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to bowl on a pitch that looked good for batting.
Australia had made four team changes, including bringing in Josh Inglis after Steve Smith was ruled out with a neck injury.
Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood helped trigger a collapse, and Mitchell Starc took 6-72 as South Africa were bowled out for 329.
Starc took four wickets in six balls near the end, turning a difficult day into a stronger finish for Australia.
The match decides the series, which is at risk for Australia after their defeat in the second Test.
Australia now need to bat well in their reply to put themselves in a position to win the match and the series.
South Africa were bowled out for 329 on the first day of the third Test against Australia in Cape Town.
Australia trailed by 329 runs at stumps, with its first innings still to come.
South Africa’s openers Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman made a strong start, taking the score to 140 by lunch.
Australia fought back after lunch, and Mitchell Starc took four wickets in six deliveries with the second new ball.
The third Test is the deciding match of the series, after Australia won the first Test and South Africa won the second.
- Who
- South Africa and Australia, in the third Test.
- What
- South Africa were bowled out for 329 on day one, leaving Australia 329 runs behind at stumps.
- When
- 27 October 2026, the first day of the Test.
- Where
- Cape Town, South Africa.
- Why
- The match is the deciding Test of the series; the sources do not state another reason for the day’s events.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
South Africa’s openers took the score to 140 by lunch.
Australia began taking wickets as South Africa’s innings lost momentum.
Mitchell Starc took four wickets in six deliveries as South Africa were bowled out for 329.
South Africa led Australia by 329 runs, with Australia yet to bat.
- South Africa total
- 329 all out
- Australia deficit at stumps
- 329 runs
- Mitchell Starc
- Four wickets in six deliveries with the second new ball
- Opening partnership score
- 140 by lunch
- Match
- Third and deciding Test, Cape Town
- Series results so far
- Australia won the first Test by 214 runs; South Africa won the second by an innings and 31 runs
7 sources
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This feels like Nasser in Brisbane decision … #JustSaying #SAvAUS
Faces in the crowd at #Newlands including former Australian captain and @FoxCricket favourite Alyssa Healy. Brilliant vibe at the ground as the Aussies launch a fightback after lunch.